Cello Lessons in Sunset Beach, CA

Instruments: Cello Music

I worked closely with then Executive Director Susan Feller. I learned a great deal about running an orchestra and all the important aspects that need to be addressed in order to be successful. I moved from San Bernardino to Culver City which is my hometown and I investigated what music programs there were for students in the 3rd, 4th and 5th grades. To my horror the entire music program that Mrs. Read More

Instruments: Piano Violin Cello Viola

 I've been actively teaching for nearly 35 years. Teaching children as well as adults. I graduated from Drake University in 1989 with a Bachelor of Music Education. While in college I played professionally in the Des Moines Symphony and was the winner of the Young Artist Contest which afforded me the privilege of featured soloist with the Drake Symphony Orchestra. I've travelled Europe performing in America's Youth in Concert and have played at Carnegie Hall, Notre Dame. Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Voice Violin Cello Viola Trumpet Trombone Saxophone Flute Clarinet Drums Bass Guitar Organ Synthesizer Harp Accordion Harmonica Lap Steel Guitar Banjo Ukulele Mandolin Recorder Lute Electric Violin Fiddle Double Bass Euphonium French Horn Tuba Piccolo Mallet Percussion Orchestral Percussion Shakuhachi Oboe Bassoon English Horn Conga Latin Percussion Keyboard Electric Guitar Djembe Classical Guitar Acoustic Guitar

Most recently Derek was the lead trombonist of the 2018 Disneyland All-American College Band. He has recently performed with Wayne Bergeron, Gordon Goodwin, Dave Holland, Randy Brecker, Dave Liebman, Jimmy Heath, Shaun Martin, Christian Jacob, John Beasley, Troy Roberts, Frank Greene, Brian Lynch, Jeff Jarvis, Steve Houghton, Jiggs Whigham, Sal Lozano, and John Clayton. Derek has had recent performances at Dizzys Club Coca-Cola, the Smithsonian Institute, and the New World Symphony. Read More

Instruments: Cello

For beginning students, I like to start with the beginnig Suzuki books, and I incorporate many Suzuki methods into my teaching style. As an accompaniment to Suzuki, I also use Klengal's Technical Studies for the Violoncello, Vol. 1 in order to solidify a solid understanding of scales and hand positions. Once a student demonstrates appropriate dexterity, I begin to introduce solo repetoire that they would like to prepare for studio performances and any other pieces that they have an interest in playing. Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Voice Violin Cello Viola Bass Guitar Double Bass Music Classical Guitar Acoustic Guitar

While enjoying all school music activities I was selected to join in honor county and state orchestras and choirs. In junior high and high school I was selected to play for the Junior Pacific Symphony Orchestra, received scholarships to music summer camps, and was selected musician of the year. In college my quest continued with the Orange Coast College Orchestra, Praise Symphony Orchestra, Vanguard University Orchestra as well as guitar ensembles and college choir groups. Read More

Instruments: Cello

For beginning students I like to begin with a combination of Hal Leonard's Essential Elements and Suzuki Method books. I find Essential Elements to be useful for learning the fundamentals of playing the instrument and music theory. However, Suzuki offers the ability for students to quickly play solo repertoire. I also incorporate learning and understanding scales for the purpose of learning fingering patterns and intonation. As students progress, I also find Rick Monney's Positions Pieces extremely valuable. Read More

Instruments: Piano Cello

If the student does not express a total passion for wanting to learn the instrument, then I suggest that maybe this is not for them. The most important thing is that when they do have the time to practice, it is focused and in intervals that are divided up, so as not to loose concentration on what they are learning. Again, if the student is not enjoying the music with a passion, there are other things they could be doing that they enjoy! Read More